F-250 with STRANGE problem
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From: Jackson, MS
F-250 with STRANGE problem
First, let me say that I'm not a mechanic!! I DO know which end of a screwdriver to hold though, but i'm stumped. Have a 1990 F-250 XLT-Lariat with 351W, and a 4-speed auto with OD. While there are other little nagging problems, I really have liked this truck. Have had it about 3 mos. 3 days ago, I tried to crank the truck and it was like there was no power at all to the starter. I noticed that if I take the shift lever in my hand and push it away from me (toward the dash) , the indicator lights and beeper sounds normally heard when I put the key in and turn it disappear. I have since been able to crank it ONLY in neutral, and even then, when I shift into Drive or Reverse, it often IMMEDIATELY kills! It's even died several times when I hit bumps in the road!! Someone suggested the neutral safety switch. Is this it? If so, WHERE is it? and finally, WHAT(???) do I do with it??
I've been checking out this site for a while now and I've learned alot!! Somebody help me out. I'm too broke to go to a mechanic
!!!
Thanks,
Rotorhead!
I've been checking out this site for a while now and I've learned alot!! Somebody help me out. I'm too broke to go to a mechanic
!!!Thanks,
Rotorhead!
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Linwood, N.J. USA!
F-250 with STRANGE problem
The neutral safety switch is on the side of the trans. Driver side I believe. I am not sure about the 90's but 89' trucks had problems with it. They have upgraded it since then. Should not be too hard to change. It hooks to the shift linkage on the side of the trans and has a plug that connects onto a wire harness. Good luck. Jake.
Jakegypsum // Ford fleet, soup to nuts.
Jakegypsum // Ford fleet, soup to nuts.
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Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Stafford USA
F-250 with STRANGE problem
Hi,
If the neutral safety switch is bad it won't let it start similar to what you describe. With the other symptoms though I would tend to think it could be the ignition switch. I had both go bad on different vehicles, I don't remember the neutral switch causing it to shut off though. Either job is an easy repair. Good luck.
1987 F-250 Lariat 4x4 460 auto
If the neutral safety switch is bad it won't let it start similar to what you describe. With the other symptoms though I would tend to think it could be the ignition switch. I had both go bad on different vehicles, I don't remember the neutral switch causing it to shut off though. Either job is an easy repair. Good luck.
1987 F-250 Lariat 4x4 460 auto
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Jackson, MS
F-250 with STRANGE problem
Found the problem! (Hey, maybe I'll become a mechanic after all!!. . .well, then again, maybe not!) Seems the clip (I guess that's what you call it!) that held the neutral switch in place had a broken lip. I can take the switch and push it down and snap it back in and the truck cranks like a dream. Let it go and it tends to jump back up. I guess that's why it keeps dying when I hit a big bump. It's knocking the switch out of contact. At any rate, I have it jury-rigged in place now until I can get a proper clip. Thanks to all.
Rotorhead
'90 F-250XLT Lariat, X-cab, 351W, E4OD.
Rotorhead
'90 F-250XLT Lariat, X-cab, 351W, E4OD.
